Advancing Telehealth Beyond Covid-19 Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, which would provide critical extensions of existing telehealth flexibilities that have been in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2021, which I co-led with my colleague, Congresswoman Cheney, will do just that. It will extend a broad range of telehealth flexibilities that are central to enabling access to care via telehealth from any location through December 31, 2024.

This includes allowing any site in the United States, including a patient's home, to be considered an eligible originating site for the delivery of telehealth services. It also extends other vital services, including coverage of certain telehealth services delivered via audio- only format.

Collectively, these changes will build on what has worked during the pandemic. It will expand access to quality, affordable healthcare across the country, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

It will also, Madam Speaker, allow those who have been afraid to go to the doctor, who haven't been able to get in, to be able to consult with medical professionals as they need it.

I thank my colleague, Congresswoman Cheney, for partnering with me on this effort, as well as Chairman Pallone for his thoughtful leadership and input on the legislation before us today.

It is also important to recognize other leading voices on the telehealth issue in the Congress, including Congressman Mike Thompson for his pioneering efforts on this issue.

This legislation is a bipartisan win for the American people. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it.

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